The Woolen Rabbit

The Gift of Friends

"I get by with a little help from my friends."
- John Lennon

I was hoping today to have a finished project, but unfortunately that is not a happening thing.  Yep.....still working on the vest and it is nearly killing me not to pick up something soft to knit, but I must be true if I am ever to get that vest completed.  The dreams of bee shawls and smooshy socks are quietly calling me......shhhh.....I must be true!

So.....instead of showing you my unfinished vest, I will share some of the gifts that have been showered on me this past week.
Gifts from a Special Friend......

Jean came with some little lovelies in hand and although she didn't need to do that......I am happy that she did!  In the beautiful little sheep bag was this exceptionally soft Fortissima Cotton yarn from Germany.

Some beautiful flower markers in the prettiest little rose tin.  This is the second tin that Jean has gifted me with and I LOVE them both!

and......the beautiful, beautiful natural Shetland yarn from Jean's trip to Scotland.  There is another large container of some yummy Shetland lace yarns for weaving.  I can't wait to come up with some ideas for that yarn :-).

Gifts from a Special Swapper....

How lucky to receive 2 wonderful gifts in just one week!  My Special Swap partner this time around was Renee of A Good Yarn.  Renee and I were swap partners before, so I knew what ever was coming would not only be good, but would probably involve a little wine, especially given that this was a picnic themed swap......and of course, I was not disappointed. 

Just look at the wonderful things that Renee sent to me.  Along with the cute green grass bag (great for supermarket shopping), some barbecue towels and a sweet smelling watermelon pencil, were these beautiful and enjoyable items....

Dream Colors Smooshy yarn...whee!  Most people think because I dye sock yarn that I wouldn't like to receive it as a gift but that is so not true.  I absolutely LOVE trying new sock yarns and this particular one was high on my list of wants!  Smooshy is the perfect name for it.......it is SO soft and SO smooshy!

....yep....wine and oh my, was it ever good!  (was...is the key word....yum!), along with a little cheese sticks to go with the wine!  Yes, I do love swapping with Renee, she has GREAT taste in wine :-)

...and finally this absolutely scrumptious alpaca/cashmere blend of yarn in a picnic grass green.  It is just delicious!

Yes....I more than get by with a little help from my friends! 
Thank you Jean and Renee!!

Summer's End

THE END OF SUMMER
The summer days are fading, as they must
From endless hours to short and fleeting light
The bird's once bright, immortal tune, now cries
A melancholy aura to the dusk
The children fiercely climb, and dream, and race
Before their wild and unchained days depart
And yet beneath the zeal lies a half heart
For there isn't time, there's only enough space
The sun seems low, a hazy orange sphere
Now reminiscing sweetly of the days
When endlessly before you summer lay
And as in the deep, crimson dusk you stir
Your soul joins with the birds in wistful brood
Crying for lost summer days, for childhood.
Shannon Georgia Schaubroeck

I had a very different post in mind for today until I sat down at the computer and reflected over the weekend's events. 

This summer has been a very busy one for me on the work front which did not give me the time to enjoy the daily activities of summer.....in fact, this summer seemed to fly right before my eyes, which is one of my regrets.  Life is short, and up here in the mountains our summers are very very short, so each one that slips by unnoticed is a shame.

This last weekend however has been different than all of the rest because I made time to clear my schedule in~spite of my workload.

Early Saturday morning after cleaning the bunny barn, I took a few pictures of my garden in the heavy morning dew.  The air was very cool and yard was alive with the twitter of birds.  In the early morning sun, I was surprised and pleased with the gifts that were given to me.

The spider webs on the garden fence were glistening in dew, as were the Sungold tomatoes ripening on the vine.  It was an indication to me that this was indeed going to be a good day......and it did not disappoint.

After the barn and garden chores, I set upon my trip to visit with fiber friends.  Did I bring my camera?  Of course I did.  Did I take any pictures.........of course not.  This Woolen Rabbit is much too chatty and forgetful at times, but the company was absolutely wonderful and the fiber trekking was fabulous.  I have to admit I was smitten by a beautiful cherry wheel.....but I need to think on that a bit more.

Sunday we spent the afternoon and evening visiting with Dan and Jean (Scottish Lamb).

It was such a treat to meet a friend from afar.  After reading Jean's blog for as long as I have, I felt that I knew her family before I even met them..........and it was good.  I SO enjoyed our visit and I know that Ken did as well.

Monday was the day I was going to spend the day working, but the day was beautiful and my summer had been one of work already so I decided to take the day off and just enjoy it.  It was a good choice..........somehow magically, lobster, steamers, corn on the cob and good company appeared and it was all good.

I hope your Labor Day weekend was just as good!